Throughout our lives, most
of us are taught to get
things done quickly. We
learn from an early age, the
faster the better. This
concept teaches the act of
'doing' rather than the
sense of 'being'. To merely
'do' something, for the sake
of getting it done, is not
really embracing it for what
it is. What if we are so
rushed to get to the next
phase, we are so fast-paced
and focused on the end
result, that we completely
miss the "moment"? You miss
the experience for what it
is, the simple beauty of
life as it is meant to
unfold. This hurried pace
and frenzy leads to feelings
of disconnect. When you
begin to slow down and see
life through a different
pair of glasses, you savor
the little things more, you
appreciate everything you
are surrounded by. How
difficult would it be to
'turn off' all the
technology in your life
every now and then? How
about putting away the
blackberry? How about
ignoring your e-mail for a
day? Would it be difficult?
Of course it would! What
would you gain from slowing
down? Would you savor things
a bit deeper? Technology and
life are only going to
continue to gain speed, so
you need to control the
speed of your own life.
Deeper awareness and
experiences are awaiting
you, you just need to take
the first step.
ACTION STEPS FOR THE WEEK:
1. Turn it off
OK, it's time to slow down a bit. Is technology getting the best of you? I'm not asking you to get rid of the gadgets for good, just take a temporary break. Why not start small and work your way up? How about putting the blackberry and/or cell phone away while taking walks? Or, turn the computer off while talking on the phone with friends or family? Just for this week, make a conscious choice to notice your surroundings more while ditching the fast pace.
2. Just stop
Where in your life are you going at full speed? Are you overcommited with your time? Are you a taxi for your kids' activities? Do you feel as though your days are going by like the blink of an eye? Take some time this week to just stop! When you feel your life zooming by, stop and take a deep breath, stop and examine your surroundings. Just stop what you are doing, even if just for a minute, and relish something around you that you would normally pass by.
3. Ask for help
It is difficult for the majority of us to make even subtle changes without a little help and support. Don't hesitate to ask for help slowing down. Maybe you need your spouse to remind you to ignore the blackberry during dinner. Maybe you need a friend to remind you to turn the computer off while having a conversation with her. The more you practice the art of slowing down, the easier it will get. Commit to being more aware this week!
ACTION STEPS FOR THE WEEK:
1. Turn it off
OK, it's time to slow down a bit. Is technology getting the best of you? I'm not asking you to get rid of the gadgets for good, just take a temporary break. Why not start small and work your way up? How about putting the blackberry and/or cell phone away while taking walks? Or, turn the computer off while talking on the phone with friends or family? Just for this week, make a conscious choice to notice your surroundings more while ditching the fast pace.
2. Just stop
Where in your life are you going at full speed? Are you overcommited with your time? Are you a taxi for your kids' activities? Do you feel as though your days are going by like the blink of an eye? Take some time this week to just stop! When you feel your life zooming by, stop and take a deep breath, stop and examine your surroundings. Just stop what you are doing, even if just for a minute, and relish something around you that you would normally pass by.
3. Ask for help
It is difficult for the majority of us to make even subtle changes without a little help and support. Don't hesitate to ask for help slowing down. Maybe you need your spouse to remind you to ignore the blackberry during dinner. Maybe you need a friend to remind you to turn the computer off while having a conversation with her. The more you practice the art of slowing down, the easier it will get. Commit to being more aware this week!